C.P. Berry Construction donated more than $20,000 and 100 volunteer hours to create a state-of-the-art multi-media center for Newbury Elementary School in Massachusetts.

C.P. Berry Construction, a regional builder based in Topsfield, Mass., was recognized by the National Housing Endowment, the philanthropic arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), for its charitable work in Newbury, Mass., the home of its most recent development, Caldwell Farm.

Shortly after groundbreaking on the new development, C.P. Berry Construction was contacted by the Newbury Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association to discuss ways the builder and school could work together. The PTA provides student development programs and financial support, in addition to organizing numerous events at the school. With severe budget cuts facing Newbury’s public schools, C.P Berry was called upon to fill the gap.

The company responded by donating $20,000 and more than 100 volunteer man hours to the school. The builder is designing, building and outfitting a state-of-the-art multi-media center to be used by Newbury Elementary’s 650 students and faculty.

For this effort, C.P. Berry was awarded the 2005 Honorable Mention National Housing Endowment Builder Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service during the 2006 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. As winner of the award, the company received a $1,000 donation to be directed to the charity of its choice — the Newbury Elementary PTA.

“C.P. Berry has been supporting civic causes in the communities in which we build for some 20 years,” said Mark O’Hara, the company’s director of sales. “What greater contribution is there to society than ensuring the education of our future generations? The Newbury PTA makes this happen, and we are honored just to be part of this phenomenal partnership.”

Since its founding in 1983, C.P. Berry’s principals, Carl and Alan Berry, have donated hundred of thousands of dollars to various civic causes and charities.

“C.P. Berry Construction is a true neighbor in their communities,” said Gary Garczynski, chairman of the National Housing Endowment and 2002 NAHB president. “Partnerships such as the one they formed with the Newbury Elementary PTA are a great example of two major players in the local area creating solutions and affecting change.”

Seven other builders were honored with Builder Achievement awards during the presentation at the builders' show.

The awards were established through a grant to the endowment by Isaac Heimbinder, vice chairman, president and COO of Kimball Hill Homes, based in Houston.